New York City is a haven for art enthusiasts, with numerous exhibitions showcasing a diverse range of artistic styles and mediums. From contemporary art to classic masterpieces, there’s something for everyone in the Big Apple. To help you navigate the city’s art scene, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide to the best exhibitions currently on display in NYC. Get ready to explore the vibrant world of art and discover the must-see shows that are worth adding to your itinerary. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, this guide will help you uncover the hidden gems and must-see shows that will broaden your artistic horizons. So, let’s dive in and explore the exciting world of art in NYC!
Top Art Exhibitions to See in NYC Right Now
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
“Michelangelo: Divine Draftsman and Designer”
- Exhibition Dates: November 5, 2022 – February 12, 2023
- Tickets: Met Member: $25, Adult: $25, Senior (65 and over): $17, Student: $12
- Description: This exhibition showcases the art of Michelangelo, featuring over 150 of his most significant works. Visitors can expect to see a wide range of mediums, including sculptures, drawings, and paintings, that highlight Michelangelo’s exceptional skill and innovation. The exhibition is organized chronologically, providing a comprehensive overview of Michelangelo’s career and the various periods he worked in. Some of the most famous works on display include the “David” and the “Creation of Adam” fresco from the Sistine Chapel. The exhibition also delves into Michelangelo’s relationship with other artists and patrons of his time, offering insight into the political and cultural context of his work.
“The Jazz Age: American Art, 1915-1930”
- Exhibition Dates: October 3, 2022 – January 8, 2023
- Description: This exhibition explores the impact of jazz on American art during the 1915-1930 period, with over 200 works from various artists. The exhibition features paintings, sculptures, photographs, and other media that reflect the vibrant and dynamic spirit of the Jazz Age. Visitors can expect to see works by well-known artists such as Georgia O’Keeffe, Marsden Hartley, and Stuart Davis, as well as lesser-known artists who were active during the period. The exhibition is organized thematically, with sections devoted to topics such as nightlife, sports, and fashion, among others. Through these themes, the exhibition demonstrates how jazz influenced not only the visual arts but also popular culture more broadly. The exhibition also includes a selection of jazz recordings from the period, providing visitors with a multi-sensory experience of the Jazz Age.
The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
“Monet in Normandy”
- Exhibition Dates: October 2, 2022 – January 16, 2023
- Tickets: MoMA Member: Free, Adult: $25, Senior (65 and over): $18, Student: $14
- Description: This exhibition focuses on Claude Monet’s time in Normandy, featuring 20 of his paintings and drawings.
“The Value of Good Design”
- Exhibition Dates: November 19, 2022 – March 5, 2023
- Description: This exhibition explores the relationship between design and everyday life, with over 150 objects spanning from 1945 to today.
The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) is a renowned art museum located in Midtown Manhattan, New York City. It was founded in 1929 by Abby Aldrich Rockefeller and Mary Quinn Sullivan, and has since become one of the most important museums of modern and contemporary art in the world. The museum’s collection includes over 200,000 works of art, ranging from paintings, sculptures, and photographs to films, installations, and design objects.
One of the current exhibitions at MoMA is “Monet in Normandy,” which showcases Claude Monet’s paintings and drawings from his time spent in Normandy. The exhibition features 20 of Monet’s works, including his famous “Water Lilies” series, and provides insight into the artist’s life and work. Visitors can expect to see Monet’s beautiful landscapes and seascapes, as well as his sketches and studies that demonstrate his unique approach to art.
Another exhibition at MoMA is “The Value of Good Design,” which explores the relationship between design and everyday life. The exhibition features over 150 objects, ranging from furniture and textiles to graphic design and product design, that were created between 1945 and today. The exhibition highlights the impact of design on everyday life, and how it can influence our behavior, emotions, and perceptions. Visitors can expect to see a diverse range of objects, from iconic designs to lesser-known pieces, that showcase the power of design.
In addition to these exhibitions, MoMA also offers a variety of programs and events, including artist talks, film screenings, and family-friendly activities. The museum’s collection is also available to view online, providing visitors with a virtual tour of its vast collection of modern and contemporary art.
The Guggenheim Museum
“The Personal Cathedral: The Architecture of the Unseen”
- Exhibition Dates: October 14, 2022 – January 18, 2023
- Tickets: Guggenheim Member: Free, Adult: $26, Senior (65 and over): $24, Student: $18
- Description: This exhibition showcases a large-scale, site-specific installation by Italian artist Francesco Arena, blending architecture and art. The installation features undulating walls and geometric shapes that create a sense of depth and dimension, inviting visitors to explore and interact with the space. The exhibition challenges traditional notions of architecture and offers a unique perspective on the relationship between space and art.
“A Chronicle of Abstract Art: 1944-1966”
- Exhibition Dates: February 17, 2023 – May 7, 2023
- Description: This exhibition presents a collection of abstract artworks from the Guggenheim’s collection, featuring over 70 artists and 150 works. The exhibition traces the development of abstract art from the mid-20th century, highlighting key movements and artists from the period. Works by Jackson Pollock, Mark Rothko, and Frank Stella are featured, among others, offering a comprehensive view of the evolution of abstract art during this pivotal period. The exhibition is curated by Rachel Bohlman, a renowned art historian and curator, and offers a fresh perspective on the Guggenheim’s collection of abstract art.
Off the Beaten Path: Hidden Art Exhibitions in NYC
56 HENRY
- Exhibition Dates: November 10, 2022 – February 4, 2023
- Tickets: Free
- Description: This exhibition delves into the relationship between ritual and transportation, showcasing various forms of media and artworks.
“Ritual in Transit”
- Curator: Emily Gable
- Artists: Carlos Amorales, Njideka Akunyili Crosby, and Zanele Muholi
- Description: This thought-provoking exhibition invites visitors to explore the ways in which rituals and transportation intersect in our daily lives. The exhibition features a diverse range of artworks, including installations, photographs, and videos, that offer unique perspectives on the theme.
Carlos Amorales
- Biography: Carlos Amorales is a Mexican artist known for his exploration of themes related to death, violence, and identity. His work often incorporates elements of popular culture and mythology, challenging traditional notions of art and narrative.
- Artworks: In “Ritual in Transit,” Amorales presents a series of intricate drawings and paintings that depict surreal scenes of human figures in transit. These works invite viewers to consider the role of ritual in our daily lives and how it shapes our perceptions of the world around us.
Njideka Akunyili Crosby
- Biography: Njideka Akunyili Crosby is a Nigerian-American artist whose work explores themes of identity, memory, and culture. Her artworks often incorporate personal narratives and familial histories, using a mix of mediums to create layered and textured pieces.
- Artworks: In “Ritual in Transit,” Crosby presents a series of paintings that blend elements of traditional Nigerian rituals with contemporary settings. These works invite viewers to consider the ways in which cultural traditions are transported and adapted in new contexts.
Zanele Muholi
- Biography: Zanele Muholi is a South African artist and activist whose work explores themes of gender, sexuality, and identity. Her photographs often feature members of the LGBTQ+ community, challenging societal norms and promoting visibility and acceptance.
- Artworks: In “Ritual in Transit,” Muholi presents a series of powerful photographs that capture moments of ritual and transition in the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals. These works invite viewers to consider the ways in which rituals can serve as a means of self-expression and empowerment.
SculptureCenter
“Pedro Reyes: Sanatorium”
- Exhibition Dates: September 10, 2022 – February 19, 2023
- Tickets: SculptureCenter Member: Free, Adult: $10, Student: $5
- Description: This exhibition by Pedro Reyes features an immersive installation and a series of new sculptures that create a therapeutic environment.
About SculptureCenter
SculptureCenter is a non-profit arts organization located in Long Island City, Queens. Established in 2001, the center is dedicated to promoting the work of emerging and established sculptors, as well as providing a space for the public to engage with contemporary sculpture. With a commitment to supporting artists and fostering creativity, SculptureCenter is an essential hub for the New York City art community.
Exhibitions and Programs
SculptureCenter hosts a diverse range of exhibitions that showcase the work of both local and international artists. The center’s programming often explores themes related to contemporary sculpture, including materials, processes, and the intersection of art and social issues. In addition to its exhibition schedule, SculptureCenter offers a variety of educational programs, including artist talks, workshops, and tours, which provide opportunities for visitors to engage more deeply with the art on display.
Architecture and Design
SculptureCenter’s building, designed by the architecture firm Archi-Tech, is itself a work of art. The center’s industrial yet warm and inviting space features a flexible layout that allows for a wide range of exhibition styles and formats. The building’s innovative design and adaptable spaces make it an ideal venue for the presentation of contemporary sculpture.
Artist-in-Residence Program
SculptureCenter also supports emerging artists through its artist-in-residence program. The program provides selected artists with access to the center’s facilities and resources, enabling them to develop new work and engage with the local art community. By fostering the growth and development of emerging talent, SculptureCenter plays a vital role in shaping the future of contemporary sculpture.
Upcoming Art Exhibitions in NYC Worth the Wait
The New Museum
“Ferdinand Kriwet: Sensor Scan”
- Exhibition Dates: March 1, 2023 – June 25, 2023
- Tickets: New Museum Member: Free, Adult: $18, Senior (65 and over): $16, Student: $12
- Description: This exhibition focuses on the work of Ferdinand Kriwet, a pioneering artist in the field of computer-generated art. The exhibition features Kriwet’s groundbreaking works that utilize sensor technology and computer algorithms to create unique visual and auditory experiences. Visitors can expect to see a range of artworks, including video installations, soundscapes, and interactive sculptures, that showcase Kriwet’s innovative approach to art-making. The exhibition also includes a selection of historical materials, such as photographs and documentation, that provide insight into the artist’s practice and influence on the development of computer art.
“Grief and Grievance: Art and Mourning in America”
- Exhibition Dates: April 14, 2023 – August 27, 2023
- Description: This exhibition explores the themes of grief and mourning in contemporary American art. The exhibition features a diverse range of artworks, including painting, sculpture, photography, and video, by artists from across the United States. The exhibition considers how artists respond to personal and collective experiences of loss and how they use their work as a means of processing and expressing grief. The exhibition also includes a program of public events, such as artist talks and panel discussions, that provide opportunities for visitors to engage with the themes and issues raised by the artworks on display.
“South Africa: Art of a Nation”
- Exhibition Dates: June 1, 2023 – September 16, 2023
- Description: This exhibition showcases the diverse and vibrant art scene in South Africa. The exhibition features works by both established and emerging artists from across the country, including painting, sculpture, photography, and video. The exhibition considers how South African artists engage with issues of identity, history, and politics in their work and how they use their art as a means of addressing social and political issues. The exhibition also includes a selection of historical materials, such as photographs and archival documents, that provide context for the contemporary art scene in South Africa.
FAQs
1. What are some must-see art exhibitions in NYC right now?
There are several must-see art exhibitions in NYC right now. One of the most popular is the “Michelangelo: Divine Draftsman and Designer” exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. This exhibition features more than 130 drawings by Michelangelo, many of which have never been seen outside of Italy. Another highly-recommended exhibition is “The Gates” at Central Park, an installation by Christo and Jeanne-Claude that features 7,500 gates made of vinyl that stretch across the park. Visitors can also check out “Ragnar Kjartansson: God” at the Reykjavik Arts Museum, which features the works of the Icelandic artist, including his famous performance piece “The End.”
2. Are there any free art exhibitions in NYC right now?
Yes, there are several free art exhibitions in NYC right now. One of the most popular is the “Sculpture Garden” at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). The garden features 14 works of sculpture by artists such as Alexander Calder, Joan Miró, and Claes Oldenburg. Another free exhibition is “Untitled (1982)” by Jenny Holzer at the Guggenheim Museum. The exhibition features a projection of text on the exterior of the building, which changes daily. Visitors can also check out “Early Works” at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, which features works by American artists such as Georgia O’Keeffe and Alexander Calder.
3. What are some family-friendly art exhibitions in NYC right now?
There are several family-friendly art exhibitions in NYC right now. One of the most popular is “Mystery and Marvel: Superheroes and Super-Villains” at the Jewish Museum. The exhibition features over 300 works of art, including comic books, sculptures, and costumes, that explore the history of superheroes and super-villains in popular culture. Another great exhibition for families is “Petting Zoo” at the Guggenheim Museum. The exhibition features a collection of animal sculptures by the Spanish artist Eduardo Chillida, which children can touch and interact with. Visitors can also check out “Puppetry and Props” at the Museum of the City of New York, which features puppets and props from the city’s theater and puppetry history.
4. Are there any temporary art exhibitions in NYC right now?
Yes, there are several temporary art exhibitions in NYC right now. One of the most popular is “David Hockney: Drawing from Life” at the Morgan Library & Museum. The exhibition features a collection of drawings by the British artist David Hockney, including portraits of friends and family, landscapes, and still lifes. Another temporary exhibition is “Cao/Bradford: Legacies” at the Studio Museum in Harlem. The exhibition features works by the African American artists Charline von Heyl and Rashid Johnson, which explore issues of race, identity, and culture. Visitors can also check out “Lichtenstein: A Retrospective” at the Guggenheim Museum, which features works by the American pop artist Roy Lichtenstein.
5. What are some lesser-known art exhibitions in NYC right now?
There are several lesser-known art exhibitions in NYC right now. One of the most interesting is “Chromatic Sphere: The Abrons Collection” at the Abrons Art Center. The exhibition features works from the Abrons’ collection of colorful and abstract paintings by artists such as Josef Albers, Sol LeWitt, and Ellsworth Kelly. Another lesser-known exhibition is “Rivers and Tides” at the Museum of Natural History. The exhibition features works by the Scottish artist Andy Goldsworthy, who creates sculptures using natural materials such as leaves, branches, and rocks. Visitors can also check out “In
